IRB Barcelona invites applications for the position of Head, Advanced Genomics Technologies Core Facility. The successful candidate will report to the Director, Technology Strategy and Core Facilities and will lead the strategic, scientific and operational development of the platform.

The Advanced Genomics Technologies Core Facility is a centralized, high-quality support platform providing state-of-the-art genomics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics services to IRB Barcelona researchers and external collaborators from academic, clinical and industrial sectors. The Facility supports experimental design, execution, quality control and integration with downstream bioinformatics and biostatistics analyses.

The Head of the Facility will play a key role in driving innovation in single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, fostering cross-facility collaboration (histopathology, microscopy, bioinformatics, and proteomics), and ensuring the delivery of robust, reproducible and cutting-edge genomics solutions aligned with IRB Barcelona’s scientific strategy.

This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a technologically advanced core facility at the interface of genomics, histology, imaging and data science within an internationally recognized research environment.

Key responsibilities

• Provide scientific, technical and strategic leadership of the Advanced Genomics Technologies Core Facility, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.

• Drive the implementation, optimization and adoption of advanced genomics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics technologies.

• Advise on experimental design, sample preparation, quality control and data interpretation for transcriptomics, spatial omics and complementary functional genomics approaches.

• Ensure robust integration with bioinformatics and biostatistics, maintaining high standards of data quality, reproducibility and documentation.

• Lead, mentor and manage the Facility team, overseeing operations, service delivery, budgeting and supplier relationships.

• Foster strong transversal collaborations across IRB Barcelona Core Facilities and act as the main scientific point of contact for users and partners.

• Contribute to training users and staff in advanced genomics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics technologies.

• Establish and maintain collaborations with local, national, and European research institutes, biotech, and pharma companies.

• Foster an innovative environment by continuosly exploring and adopting novel genomics and spatial analytical methods.

• Promote the visibility and services of the Core Facility externally.

You must have

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology or a related discipline.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience in single-cell and spatial transcriptomics (essential).

• Proven expertise with experimental genomics workflows and quality control.

• Experience working closely with bioinformaticians and bio-statisticians.

• Prior experience in team coordination, technical service management or research leadership.

• Fluency in English, both spoken and written.

• Strong organizational, communication and problem-solving skills.

• Service-oriented mindset with a strong commitment to collaboration and scientific excellence.

You might also have

• PhD in Genomics, Molecular Biology, Biomedical Sciences or a related field.

• Previous experience leading or co-leading a core facility or advanced technology platform.

• Experience with Xenium or similar spatial transcriptomics technologies.

• Familiarity with long-read sequencing technologies (e.g. Nanopore).

• Solid understanding of applied histology, tissue handling and morphology preservation.

• Basic programming or data analysis skills to support automation and workflow optimization.

• Knowledge of Spanish and/or Catalan.

What we offer:

To be a part of something meaningful: We are a biomedical research centre that tirelessly works to achieve a society free of diseases. Our mission is to conduct research of excellence to cure cancer and other diseases linked to ageing.

Good Working Conditions: Permanent Contract. Employed in compliance with Spanish legislation and regulations under a full-time contract. Employees receive the benefits of the Spanish Social Security system, covering sickness, maternity/paternity leave and injuries at work.

Competitive salary: commensurate with experience and qualifications.

International Environment: We are home to nearly 500 researchers, technical and support staff from 45 countries.

To become a member of our state-of-the-art core facilities: Scientists at IRB Barcelona thrive with unparalleled support from our extensive Core Facilities, equipped with the latest technologies and scientific services. These essential resources drive our research excellence, delivering cutting-edge innovations rapidly to our team.

Continuous Training: Transversal and general training is offered to our community (examples include research seminars, conferences, training in time management, scientific integrity, gender equality, health and safety, languages courses and emotional wellbeing).

Relocation & Visa Assistance: Trained staff provides support on visa paperwork, administrative requirements, and practical information on living and working in Barcelona, etc.

Social Life: We like to have fun. We promote several activities, like a Football League, an annual skiing trip, a Mountaineering Club, a Running Club and "Cool-off sessions", where members meet informally for drinks, snacks and scientific discussions.

Fairness: Our recruitment is open, transparent and merit-based, and all applicants compete on the same terms. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin or disability.

How to Apply:

• Deadline for applications: 28/02/2026 (If no suitable candidate is found, the deadline will be extended)

• Number of positions available: 1

• Selection process:

  • Pre-selection: Will be based on CV, motivation letter & experience,

  • Interviews: Short-listed candidates will be interviewed.

  • Job offer: Will be sent to the successful candidate after the interview.

IRB BARCELONA endorses the Requirements and Principles of the European Charter for Researchers, the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, and Open, Transparent, Merit-based recruitment promoted by the European Commission and follows Equal Opportunities policies.

On 9 December, 2014, IRB Barcelona was awarded the HR Excellence in Research logo. This recognition reflects the commitment of the Institute to the continuous improvement of its human resources policies in line with the Charter & Code. The Institute works to ensure fair and transparent recruitment and appraisal procedures.

Please check our Recruitment Policy.

Note: The strengths and weaknesses of the applications will be provided upon request.